Hello, fellow travelers!
This is Gussan, your Sarukuma writer!

Today, I’m excited to introduce you to
Higashino in Higashi-ku, Kumamoto City, home to
[Takamotoya Kengun Branch — Black Vinegar Chicken Nanban Specialty Shop]!

This is the second location of the wildly popular Takamotoya, whose original shop in Ueki has earned a devoted following among locals!
Here’s the storefront!
It really looks like a black vinegar chicken nanban specialty shop
and is super easy to spot!
It’s located right in front of the Higashino Junior High School bus stop,
making it very convenient to find.
The parking lot fits about 10 cars,
but during lunchtime it was nearly full!
A true sign of a popular spot ☆
Open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM,
so it’s perfect whether you’re stopping by for lunch or dinner!
Takamotoya uses a meal ticket system.
Whether you’re dining in or grabbing a takeout bento,
you’ll purchase your meal ticket at the machine first — a common and easy-to-use system found at many casual restaurants in Japan.

The Black Vinegar Chicken Nanban Bento is 650 yen,
but you can also order the Chicken Nanban (main dish only) for 550 yen,
which is super handy for those days when you don’t feel like cooking a side dish at home ♫
The ticket machine is right inside the entrance,
so let’s take a look!

And get this!!!

Free refills on rice, miso soup, and tartar sauce
— all of them!

You can refill any one, or all three, completely free!
What amazing generosity! ＼(^o^)／
You hand your meal ticket over here.
There’s also a self-service vending machine!
Everything is just 100 yen — incredibly budget-friendly!
Seating is mostly tables,
but there’s also one cozy sofa seat at the very back!

One thing that pleasantly surprised me — the size of the water glasses! lol
They’re HUGE! For someone like me who drinks a lot of water with meals,
it’s a definite plus! By the way, water is self-service.

Recommended Menu Items

The top recommendation is, of course, the Black Vinegar Chicken Nanban ☆
The shop even posts the best way to enjoy it, so I happily followed their advice!

Also, when you want a refill, just bring your bowl to the counter
and the staff will gladly take care of it.

If you can’t finish your meal, they’ll provide a takeout container —
a thoughtful service that’s especially appreciated by lighter eaters!
The shop also showcases its dedication to chicken nanban!
Their Takamotoya Original Daiginjo Black Vinegar Sauce can be purchased at:
1 liter — 1,000 yen
500 ml — 600 yen
so you can take a taste of Takamotoya home with you!
Black Vinegar Chicken Nanban Set Meal — 800 yen
One look and you just know!
This is going to be incredible! ♡
Look at that thick, juicy chicken with that perfectly golden, fragrant coating!!!
Normally, chicken nanban has a coating that’s been soaked in sauce,
leaving it soft and moist —
but Takamotoya’s Black Vinegar Chicken Nanban is incredibly crispy!
And I mean
seriously, beautifully crispy (*´∀｀*)

And the deliciousness of that all-purpose black vinegar sauce… ♡
It’s the best!!
Next, the tartar sauce served on the side.
This is a pure egg tartar sauce made almost entirely from fresh red-yolk eggs sourced from a Yatsushiro poultry farm ☆
I’ve never had a tartar sauce so packed with egg before!
Despite being tartar, it’s incredibly fluffy ♫
Eaten together with the black vinegar chicken nanban,
it’s even more delicious!
A fantastic match with the all-purpose black vinegar sauce!!
For a flavor change, try adding a sprinkle of ichimi chili pepper, or ichimi mixed with tartar!
Takamotoya, the Black Vinegar Chicken Nanban specialty shop,
is highly recommended when you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal! (^^)

Frequently Asked Questions

*Information is current as of the visit. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.